Tuesday, March 15, 2011

JOHNSON CITY – Senior guard Mike Smith (Vandalia, Mo.) set a new career high and tied a tournament record with 32 points, leading the ETSU men’s basketball team to a 76-63 win over former Southern Conference rival Furman in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament Tuesday evening inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.

The Bucs, who improve to 23-11 on the year, led by 12 points at the half and by as many as 22 points in the second half en route to the victory. Meanwhile, Furman ends its season at 22-11, as the Paladins committed 17 turnovers in the contest and never held the advantage once.

ETSU must now wait for the other first round CIT games to be completed Tuesday and Wednesday evening before learning of their next opponent, as well as when and where that game will be played. The Bucs should know more within the next 24 hours.

“I was very pleased with our energy tonight and it really feels good to get another win,” said ETSU head coach Murry Bartow, whose team is playing in postseason play for the third year in a row and the fourth time in five seasons. “Mike Smith was just great again, and so many guys gave us something tonight. I was also really happy with Justin Tubbs (Trussville, Ala.) and DeShaud Johnson (Riverdale, Ga.) tonight. They played very well.”

While Smith finished with his impressive 32-point effort, Tubbs posted 22 points in the victory. Meanwhile, Johnson started at the point, dishing out a game-high four assists and scoring five points in 22 minutes.

While that trio powered the offense, the Bucs’ defensive effort was equally impressive, holding SoCon first-team selection Amu Saaka to a season low three points.

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